Sock Monkey Party

Blog by Teren Coulter

I have always had a deep down love for the classic sock monkey. I heard that my dad enjoyed sock monkeys growing up, so maybe this is where my slight obsession comes from. I think my love for this little icon also carried over to the more updated Julian Monkey from Paul Frank. Both my boys are constantly rockin' the Small Paul line. Needless to say, when I came across an adorable Sock Monkey Party at "We are the New Black", I totally became inspired and created my own inspiration board.

{Decor}I love the color palette of red and aqua for this particular party. Use the iconic sock monkey, or the updated Julian monkey, to create banners, cupcake tags, signs, etc.

{Entertainment} Purchase "blank" sock monkeys and have children decorate with fabric pens, buttons, ribbons, felt, etc., paint monkey faces on children, or have children try to run an obstacle course with a banana under their chin.

{Food} Banana cupcakes, PB&J sandwiches, dried banana chips, and frozen bananas!

Photo Credits {Table Setting}{Plates and Cupcakes}{Blank Sock Monkies}{Invite}{Banner}{Shirt}

A {Ghostly} Halloween

Blog by: Teren Coulter

I absolutely love fall. It is my favorite season. In fall comes my favorite holiday, Halloween. I already have my boys' costumes ordered and my Halloween decorations up. I simply could not wait one more week! With Halloween comes Halloween parties, of course, and I love the idea of taking one character and creating a whole party around it. In this case, the ghost.

My inspiration for this party came from the {ghost invite} in our own shop.

 

Here are some {decorating ideas} for your ghostly party:

* Use medical gauze and starch to create a hanging ghost chandelier.

* Use white pumpkins in place of orange ones and decorate the pumpkins using black paint or even a thick black Sharpie.

* Take white sheets, large styrofoam balls, and wooden stakes to create a circle of dancing ghosts in your yard.

* Create a Halloween tree using spray-painted branches, di-cut ghosts, and ornaments created especially for the spooky holiday.

To {entertain} your little trick-or-treaters:

* Trace each guest's foot on white paper, you could even use their hand, to create a personalized ghost and keepsake.

* Paint two liter bottles white and add eyes and a mouth to create pins for ghost bowling.

* Dress your little ghoul in a white and black tutu- isn't it adorable??? This is my favorite!

To fill your {guests' tummies}:

* Make soup with ghostly cheese bread or try some ghost tortilla chips with witches' guacamole.

* Turn peanut butter cookies, cake-pops, or even strawberries into ghosts using melted white chocolate.

* Use whip cream to create ghosts on top of cupcakes or even custard. YUM!

 

Photo Credits: {ghost soup} {peanut butter cookies} {chips} {strawberries} {cake pops} {cupcakes} {custard} {tree} {Ichabod pumpkin} {fireplace} {ghost chandelier} {bowling} {footprint art} {tutu} {circle of ghosts}

For The Love Of {Mason Jars}

Blog by: Teren Coulter

I have a habit of collecting things: candles, buttons, ribbon, table cloths, shoes, broaches, and mason jars. Yes, mason jars, those glass jars originally used for canning food.I have found that there are actually many uses for these jars, so maybe this will inspire you to start a collection as well. Here are a few ways I use mason jars:

{ Storage} - store your collectibles, or organize your office or craft room knick-knacks (buttons, needles, paper clips, rubber bands, etc.).

{Vase} - use as a vase for your fresh-cut flowers.

{Lantern} -  use a tea light and some decorative ribbon to create a hanging light.

{Cup} - poke a hole in the lid of the jar, add a straw, some cut up fruit, and a cute ribbon, and you have an adorable way to present your drinks.

{Favors} -  insert candy or cookie mix into the jar and add a personalized sticker and/or ribbon for a one-of-a-kind keepsake.

{Soap dDspenser} - replace the lid of the jar with a soap dispenser pump that fits the glass base, fill up the jar with sweet smelling soap, and ta-da!

{Photo Frame} - place some vintage photos into the jars as a unique way to display precious memories.

{Party Accents} - make each guest their own utencil jar with a coodinating napkin, or bandanna, in this case.

Photo credits: { silverware and storage jars }{ hanging lantern and flower vase}{ soap dispenser }

{ cups }{ picture jars }{ cookie mix }

Shabby Chic {Tea Party}

Blog by: Teren Coulter

When my Great-Grandmother passed away I was given her antique china. It is nothing of great monetary value, but it definitely has sentimental value. I was hoping someday I would have a little girl and I would be able to use the flower-print china for a classic tea party. I was,however, blessed with two little boys who want nothing to do with pink, flowers, or tea of any sort.So, I have decided to share my ideas with you, in hopes that someone will put to use my vision of a {Shabby Chic Tea Party}.

• Choose a color palette, I prefer the pastels, and mix match all sorts of china found at flea markets, thrift stores, garage sales, or in your grandmother's attic. Also stick with the same color scheme and choose mis-matching vintage linens, chairs, and serving ware.
• Use mason jars or large tin pails to collect flowers from your garden and use as table centerpieces. 
• Make a bunting out of floral fabric to hang above your table, or you can use floral lanterns, or even a shabby chic chandelier.
• Make party hats out of floral paper and embellish with silk-flowers, rhinestones, and fringe. 
• Serve tea sandwiches, scones and jam, or just simply a variety of desserts and cupcakes...and don't forget the tea.
• For entertainment, have someone teach an etiquette class, or have a dress up trunk with vintage inspired hats, long gowns, gloves, and high heels.
• Let your tea party guests leave with cotton candy, inspired by the party's color palette.

  

{Photo credits}

Table setting: http://www.countryhome.com/ 

Tea cups: http://www.countryhome.com/

Bunting: http://sweetcottagedreams.blogspot.com/

Lanterns: http://wwwcutepinkstuffcom.blogspot.com/2009/08/holding-on-to-summer.html

Cupcakes: http://crumbsanddoilies.blogspot.com/

Hats: http://www.suchprettythings.com/

Cotton Candy Machine: http://www.overstock.com/

Surfin' Pool Party

What better way to celebrate a summer birthday than with a pool party?
And not just ANY pool party, but a Surfin' Pool Party.
My inspiration came from this picture I found at Pottery Barn Kids.
Do you not just love the little tiki hut?
Here are some more ideas to make your lil' surfer have a "killer" day:
* Decorate with colorful paper lanterns, pineapples, hibiscus, sea shells, tiki gods, and vintage surfer posters.
* Make a personalized banner with surfer details.
* Have kids make their own leis out of paper flowers and macaroni.
* Turn up the Beach Boys or Jack Johnson and do the limbo.
* Serve macadamia nut chicken fingers, pineapples skewers, and fruit smoothies.
* Make tropical flavored cupcakes and add candied fruit.
* Put umbrellas in the drinks, on the food, EVERYWHERE!
* Send the surfers home with beach bags/beach pails filled with goodies, or even a personalized beach towel.

Collage photo credits: invite, table setting , paper goods and favors , name banner , cupcakes , lei

Blog by: Teren Coulter